SEIU Local 1021

Political Organizer

Based in Oakland, CA

 

SEIU Local 1021 was founded in 2007 when ten local unions came together in Northern California to form one larger, more powerful union. Together our members are building a true 21st century union fighting to empower our members and improve our society. We are 60,000 strong - organizing and representing public service workers in cities, counties, courts, schools, private non-profits, special districts, public health care, nursing, and higher education. We are looking for energetic, hard-working staff who are committed to real change, who believe in the value of work and the value of public services, and who want to be part of the team that wins for workers, their families, and their communities.

LOCATION: Oakland

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: Under the direction of the Political Director, the Political Organizer acts as the lead staff person responsible for coordinating the union's legislative, electoral, and community relations activities. The duties listed below are representative of the position:

• Acts as the primary day-to-day contact between the union and local, state, and federal elected officials and staff.
• Acts as the primary day-to-day contact between the union and other SEIU local unions, Central Labor Council, and other Labor coalition staff leaders to coordinate the union's involvement in the legislative, electoral, and solidarity programs of SEIU and the broader labor movement.
• Organizes the grassroots lobbying efforts of other staff, member leaders, and activists to give workers a voice in the legislative process on local, state, and federal issues.
• Monitors local politics and policy issues and to identify opportunities to grow worker power and elect champions for Unions in our communities of interest to guide decision-making in COPE and 1021 Regions.
• Participates in ongoing community coalitions around public services, workers' rights, and public policy issues of interest to the union. Develops and builds new coalitions in jurisdictions where they are not already existing.
• Integrates all political activities with the union's long-term organizing goals. Rallies political and public support for current organizing, bargaining, and other union campaigns.
• Builds and maintains the Regional and County COPE by coordinating with chapter leaders, 1021 Board members, and COPE officers.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Exercise excellent judgment while working under pressure
• Understanding of federal, state, and local politics
• Ability to analyze campaign plans strategically
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Work effectively as part of a team

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 2 cycles of political campaign experience that include managing large GOTV operations (administrating canvass, phone banks, text platforms, etc.).
• At least 2 years working with coalitions, unions, or non-profits on lobbying, political field campaigns, or community organizing.
• Ability to write comprehensive campaign plans and be able to present to audiences ranging from experts to workers new to politics.
• Ability to relate successfully to individuals of all political affiliations, income levels, educational backgrounds, and occupational groups.
• Strong computer skills including PDI, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Ability to interact professionally with culturally and linguistically diverse staff.
• Commitment to racial, gender, and economic justice and their intersections, both inside and outside organizations.
• Applicants must complete a written organizing campaign exercise.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Prior union organizing experience and a basic understanding of public services industry financing and policy issues are preferred.
• Analytics and targeting experience preferred. Experience in polling, targeting voter universes for voter contact or media, or commissioning and analyzing polling.
• Selecting voter universes by individually based targeting models.

Special Requirements:

• Willingness to work irregular and long hours, including weekends and holidays, to attend required evening and weekend events/meetings.
• Extensive travel may be required, primarily within Northern California.

Driving Requirements:

• Must possess a valid California driver's license; pass a DMV check, and have a good driving record.
• Have auto insurance that covers business driving (minimum of $100,000 per person/$300,000 per incident bodily injury liability/$50,000 property coverage), and must possess an automobile for business use.

Salary and Benefits: The current salary range is $72,433.15 - 118,968.57 and is based on qualifications and experience. SEIU Local 1021 offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package. Including fully employer-paid family health coverage (including domestic partners), life insurance, a defined-benefit pension plan, 401(k) plan, and generous paid leave time. This position is represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA).

To Apply:
Visit our online Career Center to apply Recruitment. You must include a detailed résumé, cover letter indicating the position you are applying for, and the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three (3) references. This position is open until filled; however, the posting/acceptance of applications may close at any time. No calls, please.

Hiring: We are committed to hiring staff who reflect our membership and model the unity and equity that we seek to create in our country. For example, women, LGBTQI, people of color, and immigrants are strongly encouraged to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer: SEIU Local 1021 is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all races, ethnicities, ages, sexes, sexual orientations, marital statuses, religions, or who have a disability. Local 1021 is committed to ensuring fair treatment of applicants and employees and actively enforces policies against discrimination and sexual harassment.